You could almost think it’s Christmas – if you didn’t look at the calendar! Yet, in another month or so, summer will make its grand, rather abrupt appearance and will be here to stay for the next 9 months! 🙂 All of you hot-weather-loving-people can book a flight over to South Africa when Fall comes and you miss the heat! We have plenty to share.
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Michelle Castner – The Castner Chronicles
The definition of joy is “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness that does not necessarily rely on our circumstances. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit that the Lord expects us to cultivate. (Gal.5:22-23) True joy stems from our relationship with the Father and the Son. “…and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” (I John 1:3-4)
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Beverly Hammett – Streams in the Desert
Shortly after moving here, my husband and I were looking for a place to go walking each day. There is a private school right down the road from us, so we talked to the headmaster and got permission to walk on their soccer field. School starts at 7 AM so when we go walking, we must start around 6 AM. One morning early we were out walking and suddenly we heard a trumpet playing. A rousing trumpet song is not something you expect to hear anywhere at 6 AM, but especially not in Africa
Kristin Hammett – Village Vista
It has been the time for visitors these past two months – but we love it! We enjoyed visits from Garry & Michelle Castner and family in April and Tom & Krinny Gaudet and their daughter Lisa Johnson in May. It was a blessing to our family to share our home, ministry, friends, and this country where we live. We had the fun privilege of taking each family on a quick trip to Kruger National Park, and a trip to the Blyde River Canyon as well.
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Debbie Wilhite – Africa’s Ambassadors
God, in His wisdom, often gives us tests, as He did to the children of Israel, to prove us. Some times we “pass.” Other times we “fail.” Last weekend was another “test” for me. Unfortunately, I failed. But the blessing was to follow.
Michelle Castner – The Castner Chronicles
Greetings from a beautiful Chile! We are enjoying cooler days, the sounds of the children returning to school, and the changes in scenery that the early fall brings. We are also in the process of packing up our house and preparing for our furlough back to the States. We are looking forward to being at home and spending time with our home church and visiting our supporting churches.
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Beverly Hammett – Streams in the Desert
Many things have happened since our last update. I would love to tell you everything, but I shall limit myself to 3 cultural experiences.
The first and biggest cultural experience was my husband’s case of malaria. When he woke up on Monday morning complaining about a severe headache, muscle pain, joint pain so severe he could hardly walk, chills, fever, and feeling very tired, my nurse’s brain immediately thought, “Malaria.”
Kristin Hammett – Village Vista
It’s a lovely Saturday afternoon here in South Africa. As I write, I am sitting on my back porch. Everything is a very vibrant green with the recent rain we’ve had. There is a pleasant breeze blowing. There are a few exotic birds frolicking in the nearby tree. There is also a distant Patch the Pirate CD playing. 🙂
Debbie Wilhite – Africa’s Ambassadors
Due to rains and other circumstances it had been awhile since I’d walked the large circle of our driveway. Last week I picked up the pace, so to speak, and donned my sneakers, grabbed a book of Scriptures to meditate on as I made the rounds, and headed for the dirt path.
Michelle Castner – The Castner Chronicles
It is hard to believe that we are already a month into the new year. I trust this finds all of you well and busy serving the Lord. I know for some this new year has already begun with new challenges and for some of you it has begun by giving birth and welcoming a new life into your home!
Beverly Hammett – Streams in the Desert
The phrase used at the end of verse 6, streams in the desert—also the title which I have chosen for these updates—is a powerful word picture. A desert is a barren wilderness, a place where water is very scarce. But a stream in the desert brings life. Along the stream will be trees, grass, and other forms of vegetation that normally would not be seen in the desert—and many different kinds of animals and birds.
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Kristin Hammett – Village Vista
What a rainy time of year! Our rainfall is one of the greatest in the area making it a lush tropical paradise. It is not uncommon to a storm system move in for a week, without any taste of sun. But it sure cools things down. I love rainy days!!
Debbie Wilhite – Africa’s Ambassadors
Well, we’re back in Africa. The days of fellowship and furlough almost seem like a lifetime ago. For me, communication with “the other world” across the ocean has been limited to a few texts and an occasional email at an internet cafe’ …when it chooses to send.
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Beverly’s December Update
Greetings from Africa! It is hard to believe that it has been almost 2 months since we said goodbye to you all. We have seen many changes and many blessings, as well as some discouragements. But over-all, we can see the hand of God working in so many ways. It is always exciting to serve the Lord and watch Him work!
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Overwhelmed?
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! I must say, that I still find myself laughing when I hear Frosty the Snowman playing in the stores when it is 100 degrees outside. It is very amusing to me. There are Christmas decorations everywhere, music playing, and watermelons for sale! I am ready to do something festive around the house. I reminded my husband that Thanksgiving IS over, so we can start playing Christmas music. To which he replied, “I’m going to write a book – Lies Women Believe.” Ha!
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Michelle’s October Update
Greetings from the USA! As many of you know our family was able to come home at the beginning of September for a Memorial Service for my father-in-law
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A Right Perspective
Several times in the Psalms David cries out to God, “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” I have often puzzled over that statement. Why did David pray such a prayer? Then one day I was thinking about a high rock, and I realized that when you are wandering around in the wilderness or the woods, a high rock is useful for climbing up on to get a good perspective. From the top of the rock, you can see not only where you have been, but where you are, where you are going and how to best get there. It helps you to get your bearings.
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Kristin’s October Update
Summer is here in Africa! For us, that means the start of a new school year, and that Grandma & Grandpa Hammett will soon be here in Africa! Joel started his 1st grade year, and Anna her Kindergarten year. They are both having a blast. Luke, however, isn’t too happy to be ‘left out’ of what big brother and sister are doing. 🙂
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…PLODDING and PRAYING…
Usually I try to keep my articles simple. Give me a topic and let me run with it (keeping me from rambling!). Not this time, though. The past few months seem to have been a jumble of wonderful times with family and friends as well as situations bearing some sorrows. The Lord, as is His nature, has been good in all these times and situations.